UNESCO with a decision on Pirin at its annual session in Istanbul

Representatives of the Coalition “Let Nature Remain in Bulgaria” participated at the annual session of UNESCO in Istanbul. Representatives of the Bulgarian Government are also expected there, who in all probability will try to influence the draft decision, in order construction to be approved in Pirin National Park and in Bansko Ski Zone.

Pirin National Park is in the World Natural Heritage List, endangered by human activity, published by the international environmental protection organization WWF. It disseminated recently a report with the threats on emblematic sites around the world like Belize barrier reef, Virunga and Selous Natural Parks in Africa, Białowieża Forest in Poland, Western Caucasus in Russia, and Pirin in Bulgaria.

The new draft management plan for Pirin National Park, prepared by PROLES Engineering company, was submitted for the third time to the Ministry of the Environment and Water, which sends it back for correction on account of lapses and irregularities. The draft plan envisages 14 times increase of the new construction zone, especially around Bansko Ski Zone. The mass tourism zone increases thrice. Logging is permitted on 60 percent of the territory of the Park.

For these reasons, last year, the coalition Let Nature Remain in Bulgaria, tens of non-governmental organisations and many citizens demanded this plan to be revoked.

UNESCO’s Draft Decision on Pirin:
http://whc.unesco.org/archive/2016/whc16-40com-7B-en.pdf (page 176)